Google welcomes the summer solstice in new Doodle

Google marks the beginning of the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere with a new Doodle. Photo courtesy of Google.

Google marks the beginning of the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere with a new Doodle. Photo courtesy of Google

June 21 (UPI) --Google is marking the start of the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere with a new Doodle.

Google's homepage features an animated sequence of a cartoon character with an acorn-shaped head enjoying a sunny day out on a pond. A large creature with big eyes also makes an apperance as he emerges briefly from underneath a lily pad.

Last year, Google welcomed the start of the summer solstice by presenting an animated sequence that featured a mouse having to use sunglasses in order to read a book.

"As the longest day of the year, solstice marks the official start of the summer season. If you live north of the equator, today you'll enjoy the most amount of sunlight in a single day that you'll have all year," the company said previously.

"And the farther north, the more sun! In fact, in the Arctic Circle, the sun will shine for a full 24 hours. Whether you'll be outside with the blooms or inside with a good book, enjoy the day. Ready...set...summer!" Google continued.

Google also released a Doodle to mark the start of the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere that features the same acorn-shaped head character using the large creature to help him grab a snowflake from above.